It is important to communicate these concerns to DOD, however, I think, if anything, the Federal government is becoming even more entrenched and bolder in implementing policies which conflict with the faith convictions of Christian service personnel. The military has been transformed at the highest levels into a willing partner in the social engineering agenda developed by progressives over many decades. News reported in Internet sources but seldom if ever in mainstream media reflect hostility and punitive action toward any opposition to LGBT, transgender, or politically correct policies introduced in academia, civil service, or military institutions. Although the First Amendment is supposed to protect free speech and religious faith, the bureaucracies and policy makers simply disregard it, forcing individuals to seek redress through the courts for rights which should have been recognized in the first place. This process is time consuming and expensive, and if liberal judges are involved, the outcome uncertain. As regards the military, Obama has purged many highly decorated and experienced generals and admirals from high positions because they were not enthusiastic, or downright opposed, to his radical agenda and social policies. Obama made it a point to demoralize the military, surrounding himself with compliant leaders, because he intended to transform the armed services into his radical vision of a socially and politically correct institution. I suppose we must still fight on, and what choice do we have? Do we roll over and allow evil to prevail? So long as the LCMS has a voice, it remains necessary to speak out.